A tackle by trade, Tom Riitters(seated middle) takes center stage at most events!
Who says the football lineman isn’t the most athletic and intelligent participant on the field? Here at JohnnieFootball.com we defy the odds and sport three linemen among our regular contributors. Today’s feature is by former Little Falls Flyer and Johnnie offensive lineman Tom Riitters who asks the reader to “Tell me your Johnnie story.” Ritz72 invites all of you to tell your story while attending the popular Johnnie Tailgate Parties taking place before every Johnnie Football game. So swing by the parking lot above the south endzone for “another” tradition unrivaled! At JohnnieFootball.com our intent is not only to bring you our perspective but also to bring JohnnieFootball.com to life…… it’s just how we roll!
—DustySJU
“Tell me your Johnnie story”
Five simple words; or are they? In my 17 years associated with all things SJU, never have I received the same answer when I present this comment to a fellow Johnnie. Every Johnnie has his own story that makes his experience behind the Pine Curtain unique. When asked to tell his story, a Johnnie’s memory instantly flies back to that time in his life. Be it a quiet stroll along the Sag, a moment of reflection in the Abbey, cheering in the stands, no matter what the event, or being blessed with the ability to participate, our individual Johnnie Stories complete who we are.
Ask any Johnnie, regardless of generation, to “tell me your story” and be prepared to spend time laughing, sharing, and remembering the four years of your life that had a large part in forming and nurturing who you are today. Johnnies don’t just want to tell you their story, they need to tell you their story. A Johnnie’s story is who they were, are and will become.
Want to share your Johnnie Story? Polish it off from the recesses of your highly developed brain, and meet us in Collegeville on September 6th as the SJU Football Team opens the season against East Texas Baptist. Game time is 1:00 pm, but why wait so long? Get there early; enjoy the campus, walk through the dorms, or take in the Stiftungfestivities in the South Science Lot (get there by 9:00 am if you need a parking spot)!
No matter what you do that day, be it on campus or not, take time to think about your time at SJU. If you do, I’ll guarantee one thing: you’ll add another chapter in your Johnnie Story!
Over the course of the Johnnie Football season, I will be talking to a number of Johnnie Football Alumni and having them share their “Johnnie Story” with me. It will be an honor to share them with you periodically throughout the year!
Johnnie Up!
